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Astronauts are trained individuals who spend a considerable amount of time in space and are in charge of maintaining space stations as well as satellites. Astronauts are generally trained for more than 2 years to be able to withstand the climatic and air pressure difference when they travel to outer space. Astronauts are also in charge of studying various extraterrestrial objects such as asteroids, galaxies, meteors etc.
In order to become an Astronaut after 12th, students must pursue both undergraduate and postgraduate Aeronautical Engineering Courses or Astrophysics Courses or any other courses that are related and relevant to the field. Some of the other top courses that can be pursued to become an Astronaut are BTech Space Technology, BTech Aeronautical Engineering, MTech Aeronautical Engineering etc. Check: How to Become an Astronaut in NASA
India is home to some of the top Aeronautical Engineering Colleges such as IIT Kanpur, Madras Institute of Technology, IIST Thiruvananthapuram, Anna University etc. Admissions to these colleges are done on the basis of various Engineering Entrance Exams such as JEE Main, JEE Avanced, GATE etc. The average annual salary of an astronaut ranges between INR 10 LPA – 12 LPA. However with gradual experience and exposure, it may go beyond INR 57.33 LPA in India. The pay scale also depends upon the type of company and designation. Read More: Salary of an Astronaut
- How to Become an Astronaut: Quick Facts
- What does an Astronaut Do
- Types of Astronauts
- How to Become an Astronaut in India
4.1 How to become an Astronaut After 12th
4.2 ISRO
4.3 NASA
4.4 SpaceX
5.1 BSc Astrophysics
5.2 BTech Aerospace Engineering
5.3 PhD Engineering and Technology
5.4 BTech Aeronautical Engineering
6.1 USA
6.2 Canada
6.3 UK
6.4 Australia
How to Become an Astronaut: Quick Facts
| Industry | Aeronautics |
| Eligibility | PhD in Astrophysics |
| Average Starting Salary |
INR 12 LPA – 25 LPA |
| Highest Salary | INR 1.32 Crore |
| Top Recruiters | NASA, ISRO, DRDO |
What does an Astronaut Do
Astronauts are trained to pilot and/or travel in a spacecraft, work in space, and do activities related to human space exploration. Though space travel seems like a cakewalk these days, it is a line between success and failure. Most of an astronaut's career is spent undergoing extensive training. Some of the duties of an astronaut are listed below:
- Preparing for spacewalks to install new equipment or perform maintenance tasks in space
- Researching new technologies that could be used in space exploration or in space habitats
- Communicating with mission control to report on findings or issues that arise during the course of the mission
- Conducting tests to determine how well crew members can perform their jobs under stress
- Conducting robotics research and development in collaboration with engineers on Earth
- Conducting scientific experiments in space to help scientists better understand phenomena in microgravity environments
- Preparing for emergencies such as fires, depressurization of cabins, loss of oxygen supply, loss of communication with Earth, solar flares, and other threats to the safety of astronauts and the mission
Types of Astronauts
Astronauts have their specific roles in outer space for the success of any mission. The astronauts are classified as per their field of expertise some of which are mentioned below:
- Commander: The main job of a Commander is to check the overall mission success from the begining to till the end, i.e. from the launch of the spacecraft to landing it safely back on the surface of the earth. The Commander is in charge of maintaining the safety of every crew member along with the safety of the spacecraft and all pieces of equipment present on it is the commander’s responsibility.
- Pilot: Pilot, as the name suggests is the most important designation in an Astronaut’s career. The pilot is responsible for controling every movement of the spacecraft including the launch and landing. The pilot is responsible for controlling the spacecraft as per the mission and taking it precisely to the locations decided.
- Flight Engineer: The Flight Engineer assists the commander and the pilot efficiently. It’s his job to look out that all the pieces of equipment on the spacecraft are working properly and in any case repair them, fix all the issues and make everything working properly.
- Mission Specialist: The Mission Specialist is the person sent to outer space for research purposes and he has to collect all the information and analyze everything he is supposed to. The Mission Specialists are experts in their respective fields whether it is geology, biology, chemistry or any scientific field.
How to Become an Astronaut in India
Candidates who want to make their career as an astronaut can fulfil their dream by pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s and Research level courses in Aeronautics, Astrophysics, Aviation, Aerospace, Aeronautical Engineering etc. Many universities and colleges are available in India to offer these courses.
For seeking admissions to Bachelor’s Degree courses in Science or Engineering stream, students must have one of the subjects relating to the STEM field in 12th class. Candidates who have a degree in Aerospace Engineering or Aeronautical Engineering will be an advantage for future Indian astronauts.
Students must have essential knowledge of Science (Physics, Chemistry, Geology), Engineering, Technology and Mathematics. Students can also go for various internships during their study period and gain extensive knowledge related to the career which might prove helpful to candidates in future.
How to Become an Astronaut in India after 12th
Students who have opted for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics areas of specialization in the 10+2 examination are eligible to pursue Bachelor’s/ Engineering Degree in Aeronautical, Astrophysics, Aerospace and Science & Technology. Also, they can gain work experience via internships, training or part-time jobs while pursuing a Bachelor's/ Master’s Degree. Students who have passed Bachelor’s Degree in the STEM field are eligible to get admission in the postgraduate degree courses while for getting admission to doctorate degree courses students must have a Master’s Degree.
- Undergraduate Preparation: Admissions to UG programmes to become an astronaut are done on marks obtained in the 12th class or entrance exams such as JEE Mains, JEE Advanced depending upon the type of course one wishes to pursue.
- Postgraduate Preparation: While admissions to PG courses are done on the basis of entrance exam conducted by the university or national level such as GATE, IIT JAM etc. After completing PG courses students can opt for further studies and can pursue PhD. Admissions to doctorate degree courses are usually done on combined marks of the previous examination and entrance exam conducted by the universities or at the national level followed by personal interview.
How to Become an Astronaut in ISRO
Firstly, to become an astronaut in ISRO, one has to be an Indian citizen. Presently, ISRO chooses pilots from the Indian Air Force for its space missions. However, when ISRO opens its astronaut program to common people, a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university either in engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, chemistry or biology would be the basic requirement. A higher degree (master's degree or PhD) from a recognized university in aerospace engineering or aeronautical engineering will be an added advantage to the candidate.
In addition to educational qualifications, language skills are also very important. A perfect level in English is required as astronauts interact and cooperate with foreign individuals as well. Other languages like Russian will be added assets. For the first manned spaceflight of ISRO, astronauts must be experienced Indian Air Force pilots. Maybe, in the future flying experience will not be required but it will be an asset. Also, psychological strength is an important factor where the candidate should have great observational skills, a tendency to remain calm under stressful situations and the ability to multitask.
How to Become an Astronaut in NASA
Earlier only military personnel who had flying experience and engineering backgrounds were allowed to be astronauts, but the rules have changed since then. Listed below are some of the key steps that must be followed in order to become an Astronaut at NASA.
- To be an astronaut in NASA, the candidate must be a U.S. citizen.
- The candidate must possess a master's degree in a STEM field, including engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science or mathematics, from an accredited institution.
- He/she must also have at least two years of related professional experience obtained after degree completion or at least 1,000 hours pilot-in-command time on jet aircraft.
- The candidate should also be able to pass the NASA long-duration flight astronaut physical.
- Apart from educational and physical requirements, astronaut candidates must also have skills in leadership, teamwork and communications.
NASA’s Astronaut Selection Board reviews the applications and assesses each candidate’s qualifications. The board then invites a small group of the most highly qualified candidates for interviews at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Of those interviewed, about half are invited back for second interviews. From that group, NASA’s new astronaut candidates are selected. The report for training at Johnson and spend the next two years learning basic astronaut skills like spacewalking, operating the space station, flying T-38 jet planes and controlling a robotic arm.
How to become an Astronaut in SpaceX
The requirements for being an astronaut in SpaceX are the same as that for NASA.
- To be an astronaut inSpaceX, the candidate must be a U.S. citizen.
- The candidate must possess a master's degree in a STEM field, including engineering, biological science, physical science, computer science or mathematics, from an accredited institution.
- He/she must also have at least three years of related professional experience obtained after degree completion or at least 1,000 hours pilot-in-command time on jet aircraft.
- The candidate should also be able to pass the NASA long-duration flight astronaut physical.
- Apart from educational and physical requirements, astronaut candidates must also have skills in leadership, teamwork and communications.
SpaceX also has a 100% subsidiary in India named SSCPL-Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited, with its registered office in Mumbai. Indian citizens can be applicants here.
Read More: How to Become an Astronaut at NASA
Astronomy Courses
Below is a list of Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree courses that you can choose after passing the 10+2 examination for further studies if you are planning to make your career in astronaut
BSc Astrophysics
BSc Astrophysics comprises the study of physical and chemical properties of celestial bodies and the natural phenomena that occur in the universe.
| Course Level | Undergraduate |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Examination Type | Semester System |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Math |
| Admission Process | Entrance Based |
| Course Fee | INR 5,000 - INR 5,00,000 |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 2 LPA - INR 25 LPA |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Planetariums, Universities, Observatories, Laboratories, Defense and Space Research Organizations, Electrical Component Manufacturers, Electronic Equipment Manufacturers. |
BTech Aerospace Engineering
BTech Aerospace Engineering students get to know about building, testing, designing and maintenance of civil aircrafts, missiles, space shuttles, rockets, space stations and other such units.
| Course Level | Undergraduate |
| Duration | 4 Years |
| Mode | Regular |
| Examination Type | Semester System/ Year- Wise |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects |
| Admission Process | Entrance Based |
| Course Fee | INR 75,116 - INR 2,30,000 |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 5 LPA - INR 8 LPA |
| Job Positions | Aerospace Designer, Aircraft Production Manager, Mechanical Design Engineer, Aerospace engineer |
| Top Recruiting Companies | ISRO, DRDO, HAL, NAL |
MTech Aeronautical Engineering
In the field of MTech Aeronautical Engineering, the students learn about the design and development of structural components. The curriculum of the program covers topics such as aerodynamics, Aerospace propulsion, Rocketry and Space Mechanics and so on.
| Course Level | Postgraduate |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Examination Type | Semester |
| Eligibility | BTech/ BE in Aeronautical Engineering, |
| Admission Process | Entrance Based |
| Average Course Fee | INR 2,00,000 - INR 6,00,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 5 LPA - INR 6 LPA |
| Job Positions | Aeronautical Engineers, Flight Engineers, Aeronautical Electrical Engineers, Aeronautical Mechanical Engineers |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, National Aerospace Laboratory, Taneja aerospace limited, Mahindra and Mahindra, TCS, Infosys, DRDO, Infotech, ISRO |
PhD Engineering & Technology
PhD Engineering & Technology program comprises the topics such as Foundation of Computing, Software Systems, Formal Methods for Program Correctness, Hoare Logic.
| Course Level | Postgraduate |
| Duration | 3 to 5 years |
| Eligibility | Post-graduation in Computer Science |
| Admission Process | Entrance Based |
| Course Fee | INR 30,000 - INR 4,00,000 |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 3 LPA - INR 14 LPA |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, Adobe, Intel, Nokia |
| Job Positions | Postsecondary Teacher, Computer and Information Research Scientist, Computer Hardware Engineer, IT support analyst, Network Engineer and IT consultant |
BTech Aeronautical Engineering Entrance Exams
| Entrance Exam | Date of Form Published | Exam Date | Result Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JEE Mains |
Session 1: December 15, 2022 – January 12, 2023 Session 2: February 7 – March 7, 2023 |
Session 1: January 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30 & 31 2023 Session 2: April 6, 8, 10, 11 & 12, 2023 |
Session 1: February 2023 Session 2: April 2023 |
| JEE Advanced | April 30 – May 4, 2023 | June 4, 2023 | June 18, 2023 |
| LPU NEST | 1st week of November 2022 – January 20, 2023 | February 1 – 10, 2023 | February 14, 2023 |
How to Become an Astronaut Abroad
The educational system may vary from country to country because every country has its own set of rules and requirements. Aspirants who have decided to pursue their higher studies from abroad are required to cross-check all the necessary points. The eligibility requirements for pursuing a bachelor’s/ master’s degree from abroad may vary from country to country. Given below is the detailed information:
How to Become an Astronaut in USA
Candidates who want to get admission in aerospace engineering in the US must fulfil the below conditions:-
- Must have a degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, natural sciences, or STEM field of study from a recognized university.
- Must have scored at least 90+ in TOEFL (iBT) and 7.0 in IELTS as proof of English proficiency.
- Qualified standardized exams such as GRE.
| Top Colleges | Average Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| Harvard University, Cambridege | 42,35,000 |
| Cornell University, Ithaca | 22,75,000 |
| University of Michigan, Ann Arbor | 19,44,000 |
| Washington University, St. Louis | 40,42,000 |
How to Become an Astronaut in Canada
Masters in Engineering or M.Eng. in Canada is a specialized degree earned after pursuing engineering science courses. Masters in Engineering is usually a 1-2 year-long degree offered at some of the top-ranking Canadian universities. Many M.Eng. programs in Canada ask students to go through industrial placements, which can help them learn and work in the engineering industry.
| University | Average Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 46,28,000 |
| University of British Columbia | 15,81,000 |
| McGill University | 13,11,000 |
| McMaster University | 24,68,000 |
| University of Alberta | 17,71,000 |
| University of Ottawa | 25,46,000 |
| University of Calgary | 15,43,000 |
| University of Waterloo | 20,00,000 |
| Western University | 18,48,000 |
| Dalhousie University | 12,34,000 |
| Queen’s University | 14,65,000 |
How to Become an Astronaut in UK
Masters in Engineering Management in the UK (MEM) is a 1 - 2-year program bridging the gap between engineering, technology and management. This course merges the existing technical knowledge of the candidates with practical business and leadership skills. Engineering Management is majorly offered as a masters degree and it is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering Management (ABET) in UK universities. Thus, the minimum eligibility for admission is bachelors in engineering, computer science, mathematics, science or business.
| University | Total Program Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| University of Bristol | 20,05,000 |
| Warwick University | 22,68,000 |
| Leeds University | 23,38,000 |
| Brunel University, London | 16,10,000 |
| Swansea University | 15,91,000 |
| Hull University | 14,36,000 |
| University of Portsmouth | 13,69,000 |
| University of Huddersfield | 13,00,000 |
| Middlesex University | 11,69,000 |
| University of Lincoln | 13,36,000 |
How to Become an Astronaut in Australia
Master of Engineering (MEng) in Australia is a highly specialized degree offered in wide range of specializations such as mechanical, civil and electrical engineering. It is a technical program of 2 years full-time duration. More than 45 universities offer postgraduate degree in engineering at Australian universities. Some universities also offer engineering specialization as MS degree. In 2018, 19649 international students were enrolled here for pursuing masters in engineering or related technical course. This included 9,364 new enrollments.
| University | Total Program Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| Australian National University | 46,43,000 |
| University of Melbourne | 1,08,77,361 |
| University of Sydney | 71,00,000 |
| University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) | 75,58,000 |
| University of Queensland | 71,68,000 |
| Monash University | 74,04,000 |
| University of Western Australia (UWA) | 46,27,000 |
| University of Adelaide | 66,34,000 |
| University of Technology Sydney | 45,73,000 |
| University of Wollongong | 57,91,000 |
Benefits of Career as an Astronaut
Being an astronaut is one of the most competitive and toughest tasks because it requires fulfilling a lot of criteria to make a career in the space industry. If you are an adventurous person and love to take on challenges then this profession is perfect for you. Benefits to becoming an astronaut being offered by space agencies are mentioned below:-
- Health & Insurance: Employees are eligible to enrol themselves in health, dental, vision and life insurance programs. They can share their health cost and life insurance premiums with the government. Benefits like low cost, high-quality life insurance and voluntary benefits being offered by NASA Employees Benefit Association (NEBA).
- Compensation & Recognition: Apart from the benefits, astronauts will get a handsome salary package along with retirement plans. The space agencies encourage their employees by offering titles of outstanding achievement, innovation and performance. They also get monetary and non-monetary benefits in terms of awards and recognition.
- Career & Development: Many space agencies are continuously trying to provide better career-long learning opportunities. The space agencies provide tuition assistance, career counselling, extensive onsite training, and other educational programs to candidates which help them to grow their knowledge and skills.
- Life & Family: Once the candidate has been selected for the astronaut position, the space agency offers security to their employees at work and at home. Flexible working hours, telecommuting options, paid holidays and a generous leave program are being offered to employees.
Top Recruiters
| ISRO | Government and Private Museums |
| DRDO | Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), etc |
| National Aerospace | Hindustan Aeronautics Limited |
Salary of an Astronaut
As such, there is no fixed salary that an astronaut will get as it totally depends on the experience, qualification, performance and other factors. Generally, an astronaut will get a salary between INR 50,000 to INR 1,00,000 per month. Astronauts will provide a salary based on the Federal Government's General Schedule pay scale for grades GS-12 through GS-13.
Work Profile Wise
| Work Profile Wsie | Average Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Scientist/ Engineer- SD | INR 15,600 - 39,100 |
| Scientist/ Engineer- SE | INR 15,600 - 39,100 |
| Scientist/ Engineer- SF | INR 37,400 - 67,000 |
| Scientist/ Engineer- SG | INR 37,400 - 67,000 |
| Scientist/ Engineer- H | INR 37,400 - 67,000 |
| Outstanding Scientist | INR 67,000 – 79,000 |
| Distinguished Scientist | INR 75,500 – 80,000 |
How to Become an Astronaut: FAQs
Ques. How many years does it take to become an astronaut?
Ans. Most probably it takes 10 years to become an astronaut which consists of 6 years of graduation and post-graduation, two years of professional experience and 2 years of training.
Ques. Is it hard to become an astronaut?
Ans. Yes of course to become an astronaut is a difficult task because the competition is tough and rigorous. Apart from the educational qualification, candidates are required to pass the training phase which consists of basic training, advanced training, mission-specific training, onboard training, and proficiency maintenance training.
Ques. What should I do after the 12th to become an astronaut?
Ans. After 12th, you are required to get the educational qualification in the STEM field as it is the basic requirement to make a career as an astronaut. Apart from that, you can take classes in scuba diving, swimming and so forth as it will be an added value for being an astronaut.
Ques. What is the salary of astronauts?
Ans. The annual salary of astronauts will be decided by the Federal government of each country. As such there are no specific figures of astronaut salary because it may vary year to year. On average, an astronaut salary lies between INR 50,000 to INR 1,00,000. Astronauts will get a salary based on performance, achievement and years of experience. Apart from the annual salary, the astronaut will get medical benefits, health insurance plans and many other benefits. If something happens to an individual during the mission the space agencies will provide a huge compensation to his/ her family.
Ques. What are the physical attributes required to make a career in astronaut?
Ans. Perfect vision, normal blood pressure, satisfactory medical history, average height, good shape and physique as per gender and age are some of the physical attributes one must require to make a career as an astronaut.
Ques. What are the job responsibilities of astronauts?
Ans. Astronauts are the most famous people in the space sector. They are the people who get a chance to go on a mission and conduct experiments on spacecraft and space stations like the ISS and Space Shuttle. Each astronaut has a specific role that depends on their experience level and experiments. The job responsibilities of an astronaut are mentioned below:
- Studying the operations of the International Space Station and do practice in spacewalks in a swimming pool
- Conducts experiments in space stations by using special types of equipment or on himself/herself to improve understanding of science
- Repair and maintain systems like air filters and waste processors
- Capture photos of the Earth from space or record songs in Mirco-gravity and so forth
Ques. Is there any age or gender requirements to become an astronaut?
Ans. It is quite surprising that there are no age and gender requirements mentioned by space agencies to become an astronaut. ( Obviously, you have to be old enough to meet the educational requirements, professional requirements, and pass medical/physical tests). The typical age lies between 6 to 46-years-old.
Ques. What subjects to study to become an astronaut?
Ans. Candidates are required to pass their educational qualification in the STEM subjects Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, biological science, physical science, computer science. These are the subjects that candidates must have studied in their educational qualification because it is the basic requirement for being an astronaut.
Ques. Which phase is difficult to become an astronaut?
Ans. The training phase is the most difficult phase to become an astronaut. This consists of two years of basic training and advanced mission training and so forth. During training, the candidates have to go through survival training, language, technical skills, scuba diving, how to do a spacewalk, how to do robotics, how to fly aeroplanes and how to operate on the International Space Station, learn Russian language and so forth.